Glossary
Key terms and concepts
SHAPE Foundation's work is grounded in a distinctive vocabulary drawn from Madhyasth Darshan and Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva. These are the core terms and what they mean.
These terms are proposals to be studied and verified in living, not beliefs to accept.
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Madhyasth Darshan
Also called Co-existentialism, Madhyasth Darshan is a comprehensive philosophy propounded by A. Nagraj.
It presents an integrated understanding of existence as coexistence, explaining that everything in the universe is connected and lives in relation to the whole.
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Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva
A process through which individuals study, discuss and verify propositions related to human life, relationships, society and nature.
It works through study, dialogue, reflection and verification in living, rather than acceptance as belief.
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Sah-Astitva (Coexistence)
The principle that existence is coexistence: human aspirations, relationships, social systems and nature participate together as interconnected dimensions of one co-existential whole, in which mutual fulfilment is the natural order.
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Sanskar
The values, clarity and responsible conduct through which knowledge is expressed in life.
In SHAPE Foundation's approach to education, Sanskar complements knowledge and capability so that learning connects with self-understanding, relationships and society.
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Sanyam
Informed regulation and the responsible use, protection and nurturing of the body.
In SHAPE Foundation's approach to health, Sanyam complements access to care and preventive awareness with long-term responsibility for wellbeing.
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A. Nagraj
(1920-2016) The propounder of Madhyasth Darshan.
He articulated coexistence following a sustained, lifelong inquiry into the nature of existence, human purpose, and the causes of conflict, inviting individuals to verify the proposals in their own conduct.